How People Learn and the Importance of Learning Theory in Educational Technology

There exists numerous learning styles and there are various ways people effectively learn. Much of my ideas of how people learn best revolve around the theories postulated by John Dewey. Much of his social learning theory focuses on the importance of experiential learning (learning through educative experiences) and the role of the teacher being more of a facilitator than a dictator of learning. Allowing people the opportunity to learn through experiences instead of rote memorization presents the learner with a practical application of the content being learned while allowing him the chance to associate that content with a memorable activity. This association makes it easier to recall the information thus increasing retention and the experience allows for a deeper level of understanding as well. The teacher’s role in this learning process is also a vital component of effective learning because the teacher is more of a guide through the learning journey instead of a dictator of content to be memorized. Through this role the student and the teacher go through the learning experience together allowing the teacher to help along the way and be an integral part of the learning process.  

This type of learning applies perfectly to educational technology because when learners are allowed to experience the technology (with some guidelines) then the experience becomes more memorable as does the content. Plus, the nature of technology forces users to experience the powers of that technology, and to dictate everything the learner is to do would stifle creativity while handcuffing the learner. Knowing effective learning theories such as this which apply to educational technology allows the teacher a better opportunity to craft a learning experience which will be engaging, effective, and educative.